My name is Yaulia, and I am a paediatrician in Indonesia with an interest in paediatric haematology and oncology. Currently, I am working in the Dharmais National Cancer Centre Hospital of Indonesia in Jakarta. As the name implies, our hospital specifically handles cases of adult and paediatric cancer. In the pediatric field, We also collaborate with all hospitals that handle pediatric cancer and all cancer network hospitals in Indonesia. Currently, some colleagues from Indonesia also present here. 

I am very grateful and fortunate to attend this St. Jude VIVA Forum. During these days, this forum and discussion provided me with the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and understand the latest issues and concerns in paediatric cancer treatment. This forum has given me new perspectives and extremely important knowledge. I intend to share this information and expertise with my peers and coworkers through presentations, talks, and training sessions. I believe that by sharing this expertise, I can contribute positively to the healthcare community and help to improve the quality of paediatric cancer care.

I’d like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to VIVA and the sponsors that made this event possible. This event would not have happened without your active support. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between VIVA Indonesia and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia was signed in the middle of last year. It states that the two organisations will work together to improve the care of children with cancer by means of medical treatment, education, and translational research, beginning with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL), which is the most prevalent type of cancer in children.

We hope this collaboration can proceed well and look forward to tangible results for our pediatric cancer patients. Indonesia is a large country with a population of 281 million people, with children making up 28.9% of that number. Every year, the WHO estimates 400,000 cases, and in 2020, GLOBOCAN projected 12,400 new cases of childhood cancer in Indonesia. Based on a survey of members of the pediatric hematology oncology working group, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (2024) estimates the discovery of 4,000 new cases per year, with 50% of them successfully recorded and monitored, resulting in a low survival rate of around 24% three-year overall survival. With the vastness of the country and the large population, we in Indonesia face a significant problem of childhood cancer. There is still a lot of empty space that is our collective responsibility. Therefore, we need cooperation and collaboration from all parties, including medical professionals, sponsors, and donors, in helping these children. Because humanity is beyond age, country, and border. Thank you.”